Under-21s 'outstanding' - Chris

Goals from Alex Pritchard, Cristian Ceballos, Ryan Mason and Andros Townsend made it five wins on the trot and took the team five points clear in Group Two of the Barclays U21 Premier League.

More importantly, it was the style of the victory that impressed the management team of Chris, Les Ferdinand and Tim Sherwood.

The lads had the better of the first half – they struck the woodwork twice and forced home goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann into a number of saves - but the teams went in at 1-1 after Mamady Sidibe’s towering header. Jordan Richardson also hit the post for Stoke.

The second half was completely one-way traffic. It was 4-1 by the hour mark and Bachmann made a string of saves to keep the scoreline that way.

“It was an absolutely outstanding performance,” said Chris, our Senior Professional Phase Coach.

“We had goals in us against Southampton and played well in parts last week, but overall we were a little disappointed. This time, we played well for 90 per cent of the game.

“I could mention all the players because there wasn’t a player who didn’t carry out the plan both team-wise and individually.

“Stoke have a style of play that is effective for their club and you have to be on your toes throughout the game.

“They scored a goal from a great delivery and Sidibe’s header but we didn’t put our heads down, we continued to believe in how we play.

“It’s quite easy to slip into another style of play in these games. We’re ecstatic with how the players applied themselves. They were excellent.”